metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Rock (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, white to gray color, vitreous to greasy luster, non-foliated dense crystal structure, and conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, white to gray color, vitreous to greasy luster, non-foliated dense crystal structure, and conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under high heat and pressure, typically in mountain-building belts.
Uses & applications
Used in construction, railroad ballast, dimension stone, and manufacturing silicon and ferrosilicon.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and weather-resistant, often forming prominent ridges and peaks because it resists erosion better than surrounding rocks.
Field identification & locations
Identify by testing hardness (scratches glass) and observing that fractures cut across quartz grains rather than around them like sandstone.
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